Does the Nintendo Switch Come with a Carrying Case?

The Nintendo Switch does not come with a carrying case. Every retail box, whether it is the original Switch, the OLED model, the Switch Lite, or the Switch 2, ships without any travel bag, hard shell case, or sleeve.

Nintendo offers its own carrying cases as optional accessories through its official store. Meanwhile, third-party brands such as Mumba provide carrying cases specifically designed to accommodate the console even when a protective shell is installed, offering added convenience and protection for users on the go.

What Nintendo Includes vs What It Sells Separately

Every Nintendo Switch retail box ships with the console, Joy-Con controllers, the dock, wrist straps, the Joy-Con grip, an AC power adapter, and an HDMI cable. However, it does not come with a carrying case. 

Compared to the Switch, the Switch Lite comes with fewer accessories. It includes only the console itself and a standard USB-C power adapter, and it also does not include a carrying case. Although the Switch 2 bundle now includes a USB-C cable and a screen protector, it still does not include a carrying case.

Nintendo sells carrying cases as separate SKUs on the Nintendo Official Store. This is because not all buyers need a carrying case. Therefore, offering the carrying case as a separate accessory not only helps keep the cost of the Switch console lower but also gives buyers the flexibility to choose a case that best matches their preferences and usage needs.

Learn More: Does Nintendo Switch come with a case?

Types of Carrying Cases Explained

For gamers looking to buy a Switch carrying case, there are four main styles to consider, each designed for different levels of protection and portability:

• Slim sleeve. The most lightweight option available, a slim sleeve is designed primarily to protect the console from scratches and dust. However, it offers little to no drop protection.

• Semi-hard shell. Featuring a lightweight EVA exterior and a soft interior lining, this type of case provides a good balance between portability and protection. It's ideal for daily commutes and short trips.

• Hard shell EVA. For most gamers, this carrying case is the go-to choice. That’s because the interior is lined with felt or foam padding to protect the screen.

• All-in-one kit. Designed for gamers who like to bring their entire setup, this larger zippered case can store the console, dock, power adapter, cables, and other accessories in one convenient package.

Do Original Switch carrying Cases Fit the Switch 2?

Most Switch 1 carrying cases do not fit the Switch 2. This is because the Switch 2 has a larger screen. It features a 7.9-inch LCD screen, whereas the Switch has a screen that is only 6.2 inches. A carrying case that fits the Switch perfectly usually won't fit the larger Switch 2 console. Even if you manage to force the Switch 2 inside, it could damage the console.

On the other hand, the way the Joy-Con controllers attach has also changed. The Switch 1 uses a sliding rail mechanism, while the Switch 2 uses a magnetic attachment. The storage slots designed specifically for the sliding-rail Joy-Con controllers cannot securely hold the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers. Therefore, if you purchase a Switch 2, it’s safer to buy a dedicated Switch 2 carrying case.

Learn More: Will Nintendo Switch 2 fit in switch case?

Key Features to Look for Before Buying

If you're looking to choose a high-quality Switch carrying case, we recommend checking out these 5 features before placing your order:

• Interior dimensions: The carrying case securely holds the entire game console. This ensures a snug fit.

• Shell case compatibility: Many gamers buy both a protective case and a carrying case. Therefore, you need to make sure the carrying case can accommodate the console with the protective case attached.

• Game card storage: Does it have enough card slots to meet players' needs?

• Cable and strap pockets: Does it include a mesh pocket or zippered pouch for storing the USB-C charging cable and Joy-Con wrist straps?

• Zipper and shell quality: Does it use an EVA shell, and does it meet airline safety standards?

If a carrying case isn't large enough to fit a console with a protective case installed, gamers have to remove and reinstall the protective case every time they put their Switch away. Over time, that can become a real inconvenience. To solve this problem, Mumba offers matching protective case and carrying case sets designed to work together seamlessly, allowing players to store and transport their console without the hassle of constant assembly and disassembly.

Learn More: Difference between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo First Party Carrying Cases

For players who purchase the console, Nintendo officially offers three different types of carrying cases:

• For the original Switch and OLED, there is the Nintendo Switch Carrying Case & Screen Protector at $19.99.

• For the Switch 2, there is the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case at $24.99 (hard shell, screen protector included).

• Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case at $34.99, which holds the console, dock, and cables in one zippered kit.

The official carrying case is covered by Nintendo's warranty and is designed specifically for the console itself. However, it's important to note that the case is intended for use with a bare Switch and may not accommodate the console when a protective case is installed. As a result, players who use protective cases may find third-party carrying cases to be a more practical option, as many are designed with additional space to fit both the console and its protective shell.

Mumba Switch 2 Travel Options

Mumba's carrying case is designed to perfectly accommodate a Switch 2 console fitted with a Mumba protective case. This design addresses the limitation of official accessories, which can only hold the console without a case. To meet the needs of different players, we also offer the following products:

• Deluxe Plus Carrying Case: Zippered EVA case with room for the console plus a Mumba shell, 10 game card slots, and a cable pocket.

• Titan Series Case: A shell case with 7 built-in card slots and a stable kickstand. Pairs with the Deluxe Plus so the console stays protected between transport and gameplay.

• Blade Series Case: Ergonomic shell that removes each Joy-Con 2 in about 2 seconds. Also pairs with the Deluxe Plus.

• Screen Protector Two Pack: Adds a scratch-resistant layer under the carrying case.

Please note that Mumba offers a 10% bundle discount. You can save money by taking advantage of these bundle packages. For a cross-brand comparison of full case lineups, see the best Nintendo Switch 2 case, and for retail channel options, see where to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 case.

Reddit and Community Recommendations

Among long-time Nintendo Switch owners, a travel case is often considered one of the first accessories worth buying after the console itself. Many players in the Nintendo Switch Reddit community recommend it because of the convenience and protection it provides. Some of the most commonly cited benefits include:

• Protecting the screen while carrying the console

• Ensuring the Joy-Con controllers stay securely attached

• Storing game cartridges safely to prevent them from getting lost in a backpack

On the other hand, when it comes to the actual effectiveness of drop protection, the community generally prefers sturdy EVA hard-shell cases. Gamers who need to travel with a full set of docking station equipment, however, typically opt for “all-in-one” storage kits.

For a wider accessory pairing guide beyond travel protection, see must have Switch 2 accessories.

Conclusion

Players need to purchase a suitable carrying case separately based on their specific travel needs. Choosing the right storage solution before your first trip can effectively protect the screen, Joy-Con 2 controllers, and game cartridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Nintendo Switch 2 come with a carrying case?

No. The Switch 2 retail box ships with the console, Joy-Con 2, dock, straps, grip, USB-C cable, AC adapter, HDMI cable, and a factory screen film. No travel bag, sleeve, or hard shell case is included.

What is the difference between a shell case and a carrying case?

A shell case is a hard or TPU cover that stays on the console during play for grip and drop protection. A carrying case is a zippered bag that protects the console during transport. Most owners use both together.

What size carrying case is best for air travel?

A hard shell EVA case is the standard choice for airlines. It fits in a carry-on backpack pocket, protects against overhead bin pressure, and passes TSA screening without issue.

Do Nintendo travel cases fit a console with a shell case installed?

Most Nintendo first-party cases are sized for the bare console only, so owners with a daily shell need to remove it before packing. Third-party brands like Mumba make cases sized to hold the console with the shell still on.

How many game cards fit in a typical carrying case?

Standard cases hold 8 to 10 game card slots. Mumba's Deluxe Plus fits 10 cards, and the Titan Series Case has 7 slots built into the shell itself for quick access during gameplay.